Stop the Traffik! Taxi Stickers

SI Solihull & District has been campaigning for

SI Solihull & District has been campaigning for taxi stickers in the Borough to highlight trafficking and at long last the campaign has gone live. Look out for these stickers and if they are not displayed please ask the driver why.

Here is the Press Release issued by Solihull Council –

From Councillor Sheila Pittaway, Chairman of the Licensing Committee on 12 August 2013

Solihull Council has recruited taxi drivers across the borough in the fight against human trafficking – the fastest growing crime in the world.

Human trafficking involves tricking or forcing people to leave their home and then moving them to another place within their own country or abroad. They are then sexually exploited or forced to work in the sex industry, domestic servitude, street crime and in the production of drugs.

Following a working relationship and partnership with Solihull Soroptimist Club, the Council has signed up to the national campaign ‘Taxis Against Trafficking’. Drivers are being made aware that their vehicles may be used by criminals to move victims around the region or country and who they should report any concerns to.

Drivers will be displaying stickers in their vehicles to send a strong message that trafficking will not be tolerated in the community and will remind passengers and drivers to report anything suspicious.

Chairman of the Licensing Committee, Councillor Sheila Pittaway said: “Human trafficking is not just something that happens to people from overseas but it can also happen to local people too. Vulnerable children, women and men are being exploited in the most horrific way.

“We all have a responsibility to combat this awful crime and I would like to encourage residents to look out for the signs of trafficking.”

Human trafficking could be happening in a neighbouring house or street, a local business or farm. A victim of human trafficking might not speak English, may have marks of physical abuse such as bruises, cuts or cigarette burns and may be afraid of adults.

They might also live in an overcrowded property and may not be allowed to keep money. One of these signs on its own doesn’t mean that someone has been trafficked. But, several signs together should give people cause for concern.

Anyone concerned about someone that may have been trafficked should call the Police trafficking helpline on 0800 783 2589.